Researchers have shown that the power of suggestion can make people believe that they have seen and done things that they didn’t actually see or do.
One of the world’s leading experts in this field – Professor Elizabeth Loftus – will be exploring memory in what promises to be a fascinating talk taking place tomorrow (Thursday, September 14) at the University of Aberdeen.
Professor Loftus’ research team at the University of California has shown in the past how impressionable – and fallible – memories can be.
In one of their studies, visitors to a Disney theme park “recalled” seeing Bugs Bunny even though the character is a Warner Bros figure and wouldn’t be seen at Disney. Researchers have also been able to make people falsely “remember” that they had been involved in or witnessed scenarios which hadn’t actually happened.
The researchers say their controversial studies have implications for the reliability of eyewitness testimonies and Professor Loftus has been asked many times to appear as an expert witness or consultant in some of the most high profile court cases, including that of the Hillside Strangler and the trial of the officers accused in the Rodney King case.
The psychologist has published many books – one of her most widely read ones which she co-authored was The Myth of Repressed Memory. She has also appeared on countless talk shows.
Thursday’s event - What’s the Matter with Memory? – is sponsored by the British Association for the Advancement of Science, the University of Aberdeen and the Royal Society of Edinburgh. It is part of Techfest – the Aberdeen Festival of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Professor Amina Memon, an eyewitness researcher within the Psychology Department at the University of Aberdeen, helped bring Professor Loftus to the city.
Professor Memon, whose research includes studying a variety of factors which may affect the ability of eyewitnesses to accurately identify a culprit, said: “It was Professor Beth Loftus’ article in a psychology magazine in the late ‘70s that persuaded me to pursue a career in psychology rather than chemistry. She’s been a role model for me all those years and an inspiration to the scientists and practitioners around the world.
“Her relentless energy and dedication to the discipline has resulted in major advances in our understanding of the conditions under which false memories arise.
“In addition to the numerous awards and honours she has received for her work in North America, she has been ranked in a study published by the Review of General Psychology which identified the 100 most eminent psychologists of the 20th Century. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
“It’s a great honour to be hosting the visit of such a brilliant scientist.”
· What’s the Matter with Memory? is open to the public although ticket availability is now limited. The lecture takes place at the Fraser Noble Building, University of Aberdeen, on Thursday, September 14 at 7.30pm. The event is free and pre-booking of tickets is recommended. Tickets are available from the TechFest Office - (01224) 274192 or 274196.
ENDS